Frequently asked questions from Schools answered:

What are the advantages of the SOLARDOME® geodesic shape?

SOLARDOME® geodesic domes are aerodynamic, wind resistant to hurricane force winds and enormously strong. They also have superior air circulation compared to traditional rectangular glasshouses so never get as hot or stuffy.

What are SOLARDOME® geodesic domes made of?

SOLARDOME® for growing schools are made from non corrosive mill finished aluminium components and 4mm toughened glass.  Domes have a powder coated finish to all exterior surfaces and all fittings are made with stainless steel to prevent moss build up. The domes are recyclable at the end of their long lives.

What do schools use our domes for?

As a general outdoor classroom or growing space – although most are used for multi-disciplinary activities

General subjects and activities that the dome can be used for are:

Mathematics – basic or complex geometry lessons.
Science – growing plants, doing experiments or field studies in the dome, Chemical and Biological reactions, ecology and environmental studies.
Design technology – inspiring students to design and build some bedding areas in the dome.
Art & crafts – drawing the dome and the plants in it; as a space for craft work; or using it as a gallery to display artwork.
Storytelling room/Drama/Music – using the space as a unique covered area to share story time or to enjoy drama or Music lessons.
Food technology – teaching about growing food, food waste recycling and healthy living - by growing and fertilizing your own fruit, herbs and vegetables.
Geography – ecology and sustainability projects.

Why is a SOLARDOME® glasshouse better for growing plants?

The elegant, non obtrusive, aluminium frame and high quality glass cladding provides optimum light transmission, heat retention and superb ventilation, which reduces temperature differential. It is the perfect shape for growing plants with a much extended growing season. It also has a larger usable planting area than an equivalent sized rectangular greenhouse.  See our benefits page for more information.

Can you grow tall plants in a SOLARDOME® glasshouse?

Yes they are all much taller than a standard greenhouse in the centre. Domes start at 3.4m tall and go up to 5m tall in the centre depending on the model.  Schools grow banana plants internally and other tall plants and fruit trees that only a tall orangery could accommodate.

What is the access like into a SOLARDOME® geodesic dome?

The door entry is wide and has a very low sill which allows easy access for wheelchairs or wheelbarrows. Each dome comes with one door as standard. Min door width 750mm aperature.  If required we can design a double door way or multiple entrances.

How many pupils will fit in our domes?

It depends on how the SOLARDOME® glasshouse is used. If it is filled with greenhouse staging units/ work stations around the outside of the dome then the capacity would be roughly as shown below:

Agena (15ft/4.52m) – up to 15 pupils (seating only, 20)
Capella (20ft/6.11m) – up to 25 pupils (seating only, 40)
Vega (25ft/7.75m) – roughly 35 pupils (seating only, up to 60 - two doors required)
Sirius (32ft/10m) – roughly up to 60 pupils – (recommend two doors)

Do I need planning permission for a SOLARDOME® geodesic dome?

Each district has different rules so it is best to check you’re your local planning department however here is an example from a county council.

Enlarging the school building? Is planning permission required?

(Either a permanent extension, temporary classrooms or other buildings, sheds or other structures)  YES, you need planning permission if -

• The extension/building is more than 250 cubic metres (external measurements)
• Any part of the building erected would be within 20 metres of the boundary of the school site 
• The site is land used for play, either hard surfaced or playing field 
• The extension/building would not be used as part of, or incidental to, the use of the school (e.g. sports facilities for community use would need planning permission) 
• The cumulative floorspace, together with other buildings erected since 6 March 95, would exceed 10% of the total floorspace of the original school at 9 March 95. 
• Materials used to construct the extension/building would not be of a similar appearance to those used for the original school building 
• The building is listed as being of architectural or historic interest

Do I need to get Building control approval?

Building controls are not required for the SD Agena or Capella for any use as they are both under 30m2. They may be required for the SD Vega or Sirius dependant on usage. If used mainly as a greenhouse they are exempt. However, if used purely as an outdoor classroom you will require building controls. Please ask us for more information or contact your local building controls department.

Do you need a solid base or foundations for a SOLARDOME® glasshouse?

For longevity it is recommended to put the dome on a solid, level base of: concrete, limecrete, brickwork or patio slabs.  At a minimum there must be a level solid base under the circumference of the dome's foundation plates.  Please ask to see our base preparation instructions.

It is a good idea to have a couple of drainage holes built in to it, especially if it is being used as a growing space i.e. drain pipes set into the concrete.  If required, put in electricity cables and water pipes under the base when it is being built.  You can attach standard outdoor sockets to the base of the frame for electricity.

We also recommend if you are using it as an outdoor classroom putting a soft base down on top of the concrete. This will absorb noise in the dome and create a safety surface. For example - Wet pour mixtures or rubber matting.  You can also put down outdoor artificial grass.

Do you have to get Solardome Industries to assemble the dome for you?

No, our domes are designed for Self-Assembly if you follow our comprehensive instructions you could build it yourselves, or get your maintenance department or local building contractor to build it.  However, if you prefer we can offer you a full build service for your dome.

Do the glass panes break easily in the structure?

All SOLARDOMEs® for growing schools have safety, 4mm toughened glass as standard. Panes of glass rarely break, even in hurricane force winds, due to the unique way the glass is held in the triangles and is never under tension.  It is much stronger than a standard glasshouse and can generally withstand stones being thrown at it from distance and a ball hitting it.  If glass does break it is likely to be only a single pane so can be cut by a local glazier and fixed within half an hour.  However, if you are worried about vandalism please see the next question.

Can I have other forms of cladding instead of glass?

You can get any 4mm section of cladding i.e. obscured styppolite glass; we can also provide different safety films to go on top of the glass for added protection against vandalism. Ie UV reflective film, standard safety/vandal film, or thermal film. These films increase the strength of the glass and hold it in place if one does get broken.

Can I build it on a wall?

Yes, we recommend a wall about 325mm high please refer to our site preparation instructions.  It is advisable to only have one door if it is on a wall.  We would need to know it is going on a wall at the time of order as the door is taller and would have to be bought in. This will incur a cost.

Do SOLARDOME® geodesic domes get really hot in summer?

Not if all the ventilation is being used. Ventilation is at base, mid and roof levels. In the summer when all of the ventilation is open including the door, the difference in temperature between inside and out is a maximum of about 7-10°C.  This is much less than a standard glass building.  However, for a few weeks of the year this can be too hot so some schools have installed air-conditioning units if the dome is in full sun and it is being used as an outdoor classroom. Other schools have ordered UV reflective or coloured film to go on the top section of the dome to provide a section of shading.  We can also provide shade sails that can be stacked on top of each other. Please ask for more information.

Do SOLARDOME® geodesic domes stay warm in winter?

In winter close down the windows and door and the dome will heat up several degrees and be warmer than a traditional glasshouse and much more pleasant that being outdoors. It is an especially warm, pleasant environment when it is very cold but the sun is out. However, you may want to use a fan heater/air con unit for the winter on cloudy days if you are using it as an outdoor classroom or to grow tropical plants. Most schools put electricity under the ground when they do the base to allow for outdoor appliances in the dome. We can provide heat loss calculations if required.

Will it get condensation inside?

It is a single glazed outdoor room therefore condensation will collect inside especially if the windows are shut and there is no heating or sun.  However, once the ventilation is opened (especially roof vents) and the sun comes out the dome will clear much quicker than a standard glasshouse.

How long will a SOLARDOME® glasshouse last?

SOLARDOME®  glasshouses have been in production for over 40 years and the original models are nearly all still going strong. The School domes are even better quality and are made with non-corrosive materials that are virtually maintenance free. A SOLARDOME® glasshouse should last several decades if looked after as per our recommendations and can even be moved if necessary.

How do you clean SOLARDOME® glasshouses?

Most loose debris will fall off due the structure due to the round shape however; to keep it looking good it is recommended it is cleaned on the outside at least once a quarter. We recommend washing it with a telescopic pole and window cleaning kit or a step ladder and mop.

Can I have extra doors and windows?

Yes, you can have up to 3 doors in a dome at a 72 degree difference to each other.  All domes come with the maximum of 5 vents in the roof but you can have extra side windows as required.

Can I walk right up to the edge?

Yes, all SOLARDOME®  glasshouses go straight up for a meter before the dome shape starts to curve. This means that the headroom around the edge of the dome is at least 6ft rising steeply to the maximum height at the centre point.

Can I link SOLARDOME® glasshouses?

Yes, there are two ways to do it - either via the doorways and a short glass and aluminium tunnel. This is good for joining different sized domes or if you are using them for different applications.  Or the other way to link the domes (only if they are the same models) is via braced arches in the frame to create a mini Eden-Project effect or caterpillar look.

Is funding available for SOLARDOME® glasshouses?

There are a number of funding sources available for school grounds projects. Please contact us for more information about available funding or leasing options.

What services do you provide?

• Technical sales advise on base preparation, dome model, specification and recommended location
• Main point of contact for order processing and correspondence
• Dome erection service
• Base and Flashing advise and supply if required
• After care support with a 1 Year product satisfaction guarantee
• 10 year guarantee on the frame structure. See our T&Cs.

I hope this has given you a good understanding of how to use our domes and the technical information you might need when looking at a dome. If you have any other questions please do get in contact and we will be happy to help.
Tel: 0845 450 2155.

For other questions please see our commercial and domestic FAQs in the other web sections.

All information above copyright of Solardome Industries limited.